RTÉ announces record Irish drama investment as Kin returns for season three

Emmett Scanlan and Aidan Gillen in Kin on RTÉ One.

RTÉ has announced its largest-ever investment in original Irish drama, with a record 160 hours of homegrown programming commissioned or in production for 2026, led by the long-awaited return of Kin.

The national broadcaster said the expanded slate, which is up from 142 hours last year, represents its most ambitious commitment yet to Irish storytelling.

The additional productions are expected to support hundreds of jobs across the industry.

Among the headline announcements made on Tuesday is the long-awaited return of Kin for a third series.

The popular crime drama, produced by Metropolitan Pictures and House of Juno, will see the Kinsella family reunited as “buried betrayals and festering rivalries” threaten to tear the criminal empire apart from within.

Returning favourites and new dramas

Also returning is the second series of The Walsh Sisters, which follows the lives of Rachel, Claire, Maggie, Anna and Helen as they navigate addiction, grief, motherhood and mental health following the dramatic events of the first season.

RTÉ has also confirmed new productions, including Tall Tales & Murder, written by Love/Hate creator Stuart Carolan and co-created with Chris Addison, as well as The Yank (working title), a crime drama centred on an NYPD detective who returns to Ireland and becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.

The broadcaster said additional Irish drama projects already in production will be announced in the coming months.

'Biggest ever year for new Irish drama'

Director of Video at RTÉ Steve Carson described 2026 as “our biggest ever year for new Irish drama”.

“Numerous productions are currently filming across the country delivering significant economic and cultural impact to communities nationwide whilst showcasing Ireland’s exceptional talents to audiences at home and internationally,” he said.

He said productions are taking place in locations including Galway, Dublin and Cork, supporting regional production while creating employment opportunities throughout the industry.

“The scale of the 2026 slate will support hundreds of jobs across the Irish screen industry, including writers, directors, producers, crews, post-production teams, designers and technical specialists, reinforcing RTÉ’s central role in the continued growth of Ireland’s audiovisual economy,” Mr Carson added.

Children's and radio drama expanded

Alongside the new commissions, Fair City will continue as the broadcaster's flagship soap, with around 100 hours of programming during 2026.

Children’s output will also expand with new dramas, including The Unreal, Do Not Watch Alone and Tales of Terror, while RTÉ Radio 1's Drama on One will feature six new original productions this autumn.

A spokesperson said RTÉ's drama output continues to attract international audiences, with many productions securing overseas sales while promoting Irish stories and talent around the world.